Coincidentally, Amy Burch’s parents share the initials, A.S.W. Amy is proud to commemorate her parents and the sum of all her family’s efforts in this special wine. Decades of developing the Leston Vineyard as a premier site for red grape varieties has culminated in this wine, which is a blend from the best Cabernet and Shiraz sites from this vineyard. The A.S.W. is a stylistic departure for Howard Park, being a varietal blend of Margaret River fruit, and the only wine utilising American oak.
Cabernet and Shiraz parcels are vinified separately then matures in French oak for ~18 months before blending. The final composition sees a further two months élevage in American oak before bottling. Sleek and luxuriant, this wine tips its hat to a classic Australian blend while remaining effortlessly harmonious.
2024
“Little wonder that this vintage is probably the best, as it strikes a great balance between the exquisite fruit and the sweet vanilla notes of the oak. Loads of blackcurrant and ripe satsuma plum with a little glazed cherry adding further complexity. The final addition of French oak adds the polish and finish to what is a very good wine.” 96 Points, Ray Jordan
95 Points, Jane Faulkner, Halliday Wine Companion
93 Points, Tom Kline, Winepilot
93 Points, Kasia Sobiesiak, The Wine Front
2023
“The lovely ’23 season has not been dampened by overt oak flavour as pristine fruit comes out, delicately spiced, with plenty of savoury inputs in nori, tapenade and ironstone. For such a youthful red, this is vibrant but also composed, the tannins exceptional. The length lingers and, while tempting to drink this now, more time in bottle will add more complexity.” 95 points, Jane Faulkner, Halliday Wine Companion
94 points, Stuart Knox, The Real Review
93 points, Jeni Port, Wine Pilot
94 Points, Ken Gargett, Wine Pilot
2022
“Deep red-purple colour, bright and limpid, the aromas dark and red berry laced with seed spices and walnutty oak. The palate is very savoury and firm in its tannins. It’s somewhat in its shell and begs for time. There is serious depth of flavour and excellent structure for ageing. If opening now, give it plenty of air.” 95 points, Huon Hooke, The Real Review
96 points, Tyson Stelzer, Wine Business Magazine
95 points, Jane Faulkner, Halliday Wine Companion
95 points, Ray Jordan
94 Points, Tom Kline, Wine Pilot
93 points, James Suckling
2020
“For my money the cabernet’s contribution has been of critical importance, providing the tannin structure, the cool and controlled fruit, and the cedary nuances that create the wine’s length. And that fresh acidity.” 96 points, Value, James Halliday, Halliday Wine Companion
95 points, Campbell Mattinson, Winefront
94 Points, James Suckling
